Doggy Day Trip: Newport, RI

Anyone who has ever been to Newport, Rhode Island knows it is a gorgeous tourist destination in the summer. What a lot of people don’t realize though, is that this city by the sea is also a wonderful place to bring your dog.Newport is packed with plenty of attractions that both you and your pup can enjoy. The best part is that you can do it all in a day.

Take An Early Morning Romp on The Beach
While Newport itself does not allow dogs on its beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there are a few spots nearby where dogs are always welcome. It’s worth stopping at one of these places on your drive down.

(Photo Credit: jamestownri.net)

Teddy’s Beach

Park Ave & Point Road
Portsmouth, RI

East Ferry Beach

Conanicus Ave
Jamestown, RI

Fort Wetherill Boat Ramp

3 Fort Wetherill Road
Jamestown, RI

Fort Getty Boat Ramp

913 Fort Getty Road
Jamestown, RI

Grab Your Morning coffee
Hey, we get it. Keeping up with the dog can be exhausting. So when you get to Newport, why not gear up for your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry.

The Coffee Grinder

This cozy café sits all the way at the end of Bannister’s Wharf, overlooking Newport Harbor. The Wharf’s benches or the deck’s Adirondack chairs make a great place to sit and sip your coffee.

Go For A Scenic Stroll

(Photo Credit: Jeanpaul Ferro/Wikipedia Commons)

Cliff Walk

117 Memorial Boulevard
Newport, RI

The breathtaking sights along this picturesque 3.5 mile public walkway include crashing waves along Newport’s shoreline and several of the city’s glorious mansions.

Grab Lunch
Along the wharfs, up and down Thames Street, and all the way over to Memorial Boulevard, Newport has dozens of restaurants that feature outdoor patios where you can park it with your dog. Instead of parking it though, we prefer to grab lunch to-go and head to the park for a picnic!

Take Out Options:
Since the peak of the recession, a whole ton of new take-out spots have begun popping up all along Thames Street and beyond. Two that have stood the test of time (and happen to be a couple of our favorites from our college days) are:

Brenton Point

This serene, typically breezy, wide-open green area is a favorite. Across the street, visitors enjoy walking along the rocky shoreline, particularly at low tide. If you do choose to wander along the rocks, please use caution. The seas can grow fierce, with the powerful surf crashing over the rocks at times. On occasion, it has proven deadly.

Go For An After-Lunch Drive(windows down, of course)
The loop that goes out to Brenton Point is also known as Ten-Mile Drive. On your way back into town, head toward Belleview Avenue and enjoy the view of dozens of sprawling mansions.

Do Some Shopping
A growing number of Newport stores are inviting customers with dogs to come on in. For your best selection of doggy merchandise, try these spots.

Sardella’s Restaurant

The view from the patio is hardly anything special, but it’s the “special” that runs every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday that should bring you here. Sardella’s does dinner for two with a bottle of wine for $28. Without the wine, the dinner for two special is $16.

Your Final Stop

Ben & Jerry’s

359 Thames Street
or
33 Bannister’s Wharf
Newport, RI

You spent your entire day catering to your dog, isn’t it time for a treat for yourself? We certainly think so. Ice Cream!!!

Exclusive to Weekend Travel

(Photo Credit: Newport International Polo Series)

Newport International Polo Series

If you think your dog can refrain from barking at the horses, the Newport International Polo Club plays every Saturday from June through September at Glen Farm. Tailgates and leashed dogs are welcome at these popular events.